NORTHSHORE
ABITA SPRINGS
ABITA BAR-B-Q
69399 Hwy. 59, Abita Springs, (985) 892-0205
Forget beer (for a minute), this Abita business is known for slow-cooked brisket and a menu of barbecued ribs, chicken and pork. Sandwiches are made with brisket, pulled pork, sausage and chicken breasts. Platter options offer slabs of ribs, turkey legs, half chickens and pork steaks. For side items, there is everything from macaroni and cheese, cornbread and potato salad to coleslaw, corn on the cob and baked beans. Abita now offers bottled beer as well. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $
ABITA BREW PUB
72011 Holly St., Abita Springs, (985) 892-5837; www.abita.com
Abita Brew Pub, the local brewery's culinary outpost, is a great place to grab lunch after a tour or a bike ride on the nearby Tammany Trace. Offering daily specials and pub-style favorites such as burgers and hot wings, the kitchen also boasts more elaborate dishes such as crawfish pasta, fried quail, pecan-crusted catfish and barbecue ribs. Reservations recommended for large parties. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards and checks. $$
CAMELLIA CAFÉ
69455 Hwy. 59, Abita Springs, 985-809-6313; www.camelliacafe.net
This family friendly café offers something for everyone on its large menu of local fare. The corn and crab bisque is loaded with shrimp as well as crabmeat and corn and is a house favorite. The fried seafood platter combines shrimp, catfish, oysters and either stuffed crabs or stuffed fish. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, breakfast and brunch Sat. and Sun. Credit cards. $$
COVINGTON
ACME OYSTER & SEAFOOD HOUSE
1202 N. Hwy. 190, Covington, (985) 246-6155; www.acmeoyster.com
See French Quarter listing for restaurant description.
ACQUISTAPACE'S SUPERMARKET
125 E. 21st Ave., Covington, (985) 893-7554; www.acquistapace.com
In addition to market goods, Acquistapace offers signature deli sandwiches such as the hot roast beef. Bucking the lunchtime bread-and-meat routine, visitors also may pick from daily specials such as Friday's seafood, Monday's red beans and rice with sausage and cornbread, and Tuesday's meatloaf with sides. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $
ALBASHA GREEK & LEBANESE RESTAURANT
1958 N. Hwy. 190, Covington, (985) 867-8292; www.albashabr.com
Albasha's excels at Greek and Lebanese standards like chicken shawarma, gyro plates of mixed beef or lamb, and lemon-laced salads topped with feta or tabbouleh. The vegetarian plate offers a smorgasbord of hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, tabbouleh and other selections. For dessert, there's honey-drizzled baklava and ashta, an airy phyllo pastry with luscious cream cheese. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
ANNADELE'S PLANTATION
71495 Chestnut St., Covington, (985) 809-7669; www.annadeles.com
This gracious bed and breakfast offers a pastoral atmosphere, grand vistas of the Bogue Falaya River and a gourmet menu. In the dining rooms of the former plantation home, guests enjoy espresso-cured duck breast with toasted pecan and Brie risotto or a domestic four-bone lamb rack, sauced with a pink-peppercorn mango glaze and topped with a cilantro-red onion salad. Reservations recommended. Lunch Thu.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards and checks. $$$
BACK PORCH GRILL
414 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 892-5252
The Back Porch Grill makes some of the Northshore's finest po-boys: ham and cheese, grilled chicken, tuna salad and the standby club. Monster salads pile items like boiled shrimp, grilled chicken or tuna on top of mixed field greens, and the Caesar is highlighted by a rich, tangy dressing. Gourmet-to-go dinners stick to comfort foods like macaroni and cheese and spaghetti. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards and checks. $
BEAR'S RESTAURANT
128 W. 21st Ave., Covington, (985) 892-2373
Po-boys big enough to satisfy a bear-size appetite are the calling card of this Northshore favorite, where po-boys are made with home-cooked roast beef covered in either gravy or barbecue sauce. Shrimp, chicken and cheeseburger po-boys are also heavy-hitters. No reservations. Lunch Tue.-Sat. Checks. $
BECK-N-CALL CAFÉ
534 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 875-9390
Traditional items get a twist at Beck-N-Call Café, where a turkey club comes layered with hickory-smoked turkey, crisp bacon, Swiss cheese, Romaine leaves, tomato and honey mustard on soft honey-wheat bread. Daily specials include crawfish etouffée and house-made lasagna. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $
BOULE PRIME STEAKHOUSE
1202 N Hwy. 190, Covington, (985) 809-0969; www.newbouleprimehouse.com
Beef is the word at Boule. To start, sample the prime steak bites, an appetizer with mini tournedos atop pesto croutons finished with a Creole béarnaise. A grilled prime Cowboy Steak rib-eye and a blackened prime rib seared and served with horseradish root are house specialties, but the kitchen also prepares a wide range of game and seafood, from crispy duck with poached fig reduction to soft-shell crab St. Charles and seafood lover's penne. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
CALYPSO PATIO BAR AND GRILL
326 Lee Lane, Covington, (985) 875-9676
The cuisine at Calypso is a veritable passport to the islands. The Caribbean-spiced pork chop is a bone-in, center-cut that's dry-rubbed and then grilled. The 12-oz. rib-eye is brushed with garlic-infused oil and served with an Argentine chimichurri sauce, a salad and a choice of sides. Stop by on Wednesday nights, when a Dungeness crab special makes a celebrated appearance. Appetizers include beer-battered coconut shrimp and crab cakes with white remoulade. Reservations for large parties. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
CAMPBELL'S COFFEE & TEA
516 S. Tyler St., Covington, (985) 246-6992
Outsourcing is a foreign concept to Campbell's. The Covington café roasts the coffee beans for its house blend and home-bakes items like blueberry, carrot and banana-nut muffins, scones and cinnamon rolls. Hearty soup choices include broccoli and cheese, chicken enchilada, and shrimp and corn bisque. Paninis are another house specialty, with toppings like roast turkey, ham, artichoke and various cheeses. For refreshments, frozen coffee drinks, iced green tea and fresh fruit smoothies are available all day long. No reservations. Breakfast Mon.-Sat., lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $
CHEESESTEAK BISTRO
528 N. Columbia St., Covington, (985) 875-9793
This Northshore hoagie haven serves up beefy sandwiches dripping with a wide range of dressings. Fans of authenticity will enjoy the Cheesesteak Deluxe, which comes dressed with mayo, onions and mushrooms. Accompaniments include salads and baked potatoes. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $
COFFEE RANI
234 Lee Lane, Covington, (985) 893-6158
The food options at Coffee Rani exceed the typical biscotti-and-biscuits fare. The café's ambition is evident in dishes such as the shrimp curry, which features the tails grilled on a bed of mixed greens with raisins, apples and an aromatic curry dressing. For dieters, a low-carb menu is available, as are Rani Watchers selections, which are assigned a Weight Watchers-like point system. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
COLUMBIA STREET TAPROOM & GRILL
434 N. Columbia St., Covington, (985) 898-0899; www.columbiastreettaproom.com
Columbia Street's bountiful selections don't stop at its draft beers. The casual grill also offers a choice of café items and features live music Wednesday through Saturday. There's a variety of gourmet burgers, including the Poburger and the Black-n-Blue, which is blackened in a skillet and served with blue cheese. Lunch entrées include grilled fish, blackened Wahoo and fried trout. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $
COPELAND'S RESTAURANT
680 N. Hwy. 190, Covington, (985) 809-9659; www.alcopeland.com
See Kenner listing for restaurant description.
THE DAKOTA RESTAURANT
629 N. Hwy. 190, Covington, (985) 892-3712; www.thedakotarestaurant.com
This acclaimed Covington dining destination is famous for its brie and crab soup, but the rest of the menu holds plenty of enticing options. For appetizers, there's the tomato tartine or the seafood beignets. Entrées include chorizo-crusted rack of lamb and sumptuous salmon poached in olive oil. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$$
ETOILE
407 N. Columbia St., Covington, (985) 893-8873
Etoile, a bustling and lavishly decorated bistro co-owned by the artist James Michalopoulos, serves modern takes on familiar Louisiana and French cuisine. The varied menu includes classics such as mussels steamed in white wine and dill and creative combinations like a pork chop topped with black eyed peas, fried okra and house Worcestershire. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
HERSHEY'S ICE CREAM PARLOR
70456 Hwy. 21, Suite 400, Covington, (985) 809-7445
The name Hershey comes loaded with sweet-treat cachet. But other than sharing an unerring taste for dessert, this Covington ice-cream parlor is unrelated to the ubiquitous chocolatier. The local Hersheys draw on more than a century of experience, churning out contemporary flavors such as Cappuccino Crunch and Moose Tracks alongside pure, old-fashioned vanilla. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $
ISABELLA'S PIZZERIA
70452 Hwy. 21, Covington, (985) 875-7620
Generous toppings steal the spotlight at this Northshore pizzeria. Spinach or artichoke with pesto or garlic-herb sauce are tasty green options. Heartier appetites can opt for the Isabella, a 16-inch pie with everything. If you can't make up your mind, the Four Seasons has a quarter-pizza each of four different gourmet options. Reservations accepted for large groups. Delivery available. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$
LOLA RESTAURANT
517 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 892-4992
Set inside a historic train depot building, Lola prepares informal but carefully made meals near the Covington courthouse. The Cobb salad or any one of the pressed focaccia sandwiches are superb lunchtime options. Come for dinner on Friday or Saturday and you'll be treated to specials like oysters Rockefeller, crab cakes and baked trout with seafood stuffing. Reservations recommended for dinner only. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE
69368 Hwy. 21, Covington, (985) 875-1100; www.longhornsteakhouse.com
At Longhorn, the filet mignon doesn't come merely sizzling in butter; it's wrapped in hickory-smoked bacon or topped with pungent blue cheese. But these steaks — like the rib-eye, New York strip and prime rib — also can stand alone. In addition, the Longhorn offers a variety of fish, shrimp and chicken dishes as well as a children's menu. For dessert, the Caramel Apple Goldrush is a clutch of sliced sautéed apples coated in cinnamon and baked into a golden pastry shell. The Chocolate Stampede is a mountain of cake, mousse and icing. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
MATTINA BELLA
421 E. Gibson St., Covington, (985) 892-0708
Rise and shine for a filling breakfast at Mattina Bella like the Florentine omelet made with three eggs and stuffed with cream spinach and artichokes and topped with melted mozzarella, all served with potatoes and grits. At lunch, dishes like the catfish Creole meuniere take care of business with a crust of pecans and a creamed meuniere sauce. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $
MOCHACCINO'S
1005 Lee Lane, Covington, (985) 809-1111; www.mochaccinos.com
The Mocha Freeze, Mochaccino's summertime specialty, is an icy cappuccino-based beverage blended with chocolate and sweet cream. For those who don't consider dessert a food group, there are paninis like the Philly cheese or salads such as the Italian Pasta, which is piled high with rotini and strips of salami and provolone. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $
NEW ORLEANS FOOD AND SPIRITS
208 Lee Lane, Covington, (985) 875-0432
This seafood specialist serves up a boatload of exotic catches: Voodoo Rolls (stuffed with crawfish and cheese, flash-fried and served with Creole honey mustard), a crispy oceanic sampler and the ever-popular crab cakes Pontchartrain. For landlubbers, the smothered rabbit with white beans and rice is a choice lunch special. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Wed.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE
60 Park Place Drive, Covington, (985) 893-0505; www.outback.com
See Metaire listing for restaurant description.
PIZZA MAN OF COVINGTON
1248 Collins Blvd., Covington, (985) 892-9874
Build your own pie with unusual toppings like prosciutto, andouille, crabmeat, eggplant and pesto or order one of the specialty pies. The Wow pizza combines crabmeat, artichoke hearts, spinach, fresh garlic and Romano cheese. The Our Special features pepperoni, housemade Italian sausage and lightly blanched green peppers. No reservations. Dinner daily. Checks. $$
RISTORANTE DEL PORTO
501 E. Boston St., Covington, (985) 875-1006
Tucked away in the heart of Covington, Ristorante del Porto serves artisan Italian fare with a homemade touch. Its version of the Italian seafood stew brodetto includes Gulf fish, diver scallops, mussels and clams in a fennel-tomato broth. Prosciutto-wrapped Gulf fish is served with an orange vinaigrette and black olive potato hash. House-crafted pastas and cheeses augment rustic grilled-meat dishes like lamb Bolognese with ricotta over tagliatelle and seafood specialties such as seared diver scallops with wild mushroom risotto. Reservations accepted. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
ST. JOHN'S COFFEEHOUSE
535 E. Boston St., Covington, (985) 893-5553; www.stjohnscoffeehouse.com
With free Wi-Fi access and inviting outdoor tables, St. John's caters to students, professionals and families alike. The varied crowd at the corner coffeehouse stays stimulated by an assortment of caffeinated drinks, lower-octane beverages and plenty of fine art on the walls. Gourmet sandwiches and wraps are served daily from noon to 4 p.m. Try the signature Sedona sandwich, perked up by a Southwest cream-cheese spread. Ice cream, milkshakes and an assortment of baked goods also are available. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Cash and checks. $
SAKE CAFÉ
126 Lake Drive, Covington, (985) 809-6689
See Kenner listing for restaurant description.
SEAFOOD GALLEY AND DELI
509 Tyler St., Covington, (985) 892-3287
Seafood Galley and Deli's name is misleading, since this casual joint also serves everything from hamburgers and salads to steaks. Diverse seafood options include shrimp, oysters, catfish, crab and crawfish when in season. The traditional muffuletta, complete with homemade olive salad, is always a good choice. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $
SWEET DADDY'S BBQ
420 Tyler St., Covington, (985) 898-2166
You don't rush this kind of flavor. Slow and steady is how it's done at Sweet Daddy's, where dry-rubbed baby-back ribs and herb-scented pulled pork are roasted and smoked for 12 hours or longer. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$
VAZQUEZ RESTAURANT
515 E. Boston St., Covington, (985) 893-9336
With noontime specials that change on a daily basis (like red beans, pork chops, stuffed crabs or the killer Cuban sandwich), Vazquez is the perfect spot for frequent lunch visits. Other options include muffulettas, shrimp and oyster po-boys, and a mouth-defying club sandwich. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards and checks. $
YUJIN JAPANESE RESTAURANT
323 N. New Hampshire Blvd., Covington, (985) 809-3840
An assortment of Japanese specialties and sushi rolls beckon at Yujin. The Burning Man roll combines spicy tuna, tempura crunch, hot pepper and avocado. Cooler heads prevail with the snow crab salad, a creamy, crabmeat-stuffed avocado served over greens with carrots and asparagus. Desserts include pineapple sorbet and exotic ice-cream flavors like green tea, plum wine and red bean. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$
LACOMBE
LA PROVENCE
25020 Hwy. 190 E., Lacombe, (985) 626-7662; www.laprovencerestaurant.com
Chef John Besh made news when he took over La Provence from its founder (and his one-time mentor) Chris Kerageorgiou. Now another big name is attached to the Northshore restaurant. French master chef Rene Bajeux has brought his refined touch with French regional cooking and terroir, or cooking "of the earth," to its kitchens. Enjoy classic French versions of cassoulet, duck confit and housemade patés as well as dishes with local seafood. Reservations recommended. Lunch Fri., dinner Wed.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
NEW ORLEANS BISTRO
27431 Hwy. 190, LaCombe, (985) 882-7282
There's definitely a flair for New Orleans' Creole cuisine in this La Combe bistro. There are house specialties like stuffed shrimp creolaise, which are Louisiana shrimp stuffed with white lump crabmeat and fried to golden perfection; and redfish Toulouse, a fried redfish fillet topped with artichokes, mushrooms and shrimp in a white wine cream sauce. Reservations recommended on weekends. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$
MANDEVILLE
THE BROKEN EGG CAFÉ
200 Girod St., Mandeville, (985) 624-3388
Huge specialty omelets — stuffed with everything under the sun — are the toast of breakfast at the Broken Egg. But dessert fanatics can choose to start their day with the stuffed French toast: brioche bread laden with pastry cream, fresh berries and whipped cream. Reservations recommended. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards and checks. $$
CAFÉ 59
1931 Hwy. 59, Mandeville, 727-1120; www.internationalrollsplus.com
Morning breaks at Café 59 with big breakfast platters like the eggs Benedict Caribbean-style or the giant croissant omelet. Baja fish tacos go over swimmingly at dinner, where the menu globe-trots through Cajun gumbo, Asian tuna salad, Chinese-style lo mein with pork, peas and carrots, and Asian/Cajun shrimp fried rice. The café also offers larger family-sized meal packages for pick up with day-ahead ordering. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tue.-Sat., dinner Fri.-Wed. Credit cards. $
CAFÉ LYNN
3051 E. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, 985-624-9007; www.cafelynn.com
Serving French-Creole cuisine in a romantic setting, Café Lynn is a contemporary restaurant with classic flavors. The redfish Provencal is pan-sautéed with pistou, fresh tomato concasse and olive oil. The crab cake Brani Lynn mixes lump crabmeat with homemade mayonnaise and shallots all rolled in panko crumbs with Creole remoulade sauce. No reservations. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Wed.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
CAFFE! CAFFE!
3900 Hwy. 22, Mandeville, (985) 727-4222; www.caffecaffe.com
See Metairie listing for restaurant description.
CARRETA'S GRILL
1200 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, (985) 727-7212
See Metairie listing for restaurant description.
CASA GARCIA
800 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 951-8226
See Metairie listing for restaurant description.
COSCINO'S PIZZA ITALIAN RESTAURANT
1817 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 727-4984
Pizza is only the start at this throwback red-gravy restaurant. Specialties of the house include chicken, eggplant or veal Parmigiana sauced with marinara and served over angel-hair pasta, as well as lasagna and spaghetti with meatballs. The pies, highlighted by a meat-lover's special, are served on New York-style thin crusts, but thick crusts are available as well. An assortment of subs and salads round out the menu. For dessert, try a smooth and crunchy cannoli. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $
D. LAMARQUE'S
4250 Hwy. 22, Suite B, Mandeville, (985) 624-2300; www.dlamarque.com
Dinner and dancing go hand in hand on Saturday nights at D. Lamarque's, which offers familiar Italian cuisine with a few new moves. Before cutting a rug, choose something from the elegant, extensive menu: chicken cacciatore, lasagna or Fra Diavlo, a dish comprised of prawns, sausage, mushrooms and feta. Try the homemade tiramisu or molten chocolate cake for dessert. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards and checks. $$$
DARRYL'S
2625 Florida St., Mandeville, (985) 727-9757; www.poboyman.com
Darryl's specializes in po-boys. The roast beef po-boy features home-cooked beef sliced thin, piled high, drenched in gravy and dressed to order. Beef for the cheddar cheese burger is ground in-house and grilled to order. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Cash only. $
EMPIRE CAFE
1633 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 951-8686
Empire Café's buffet lays out a variety of Chinese food with no wait. Best of all, it always costs less than $10. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
FAZZIO'S
1841 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 624-9704
Fazzio's fuses Italian and Creole traditions on dishes like fettuccini Alfredo with crawfish or the angel-hair pasta topped with crabmeat in cream sauce. Signature entrées include the chicken and veal prepared with your choice of piccata, Marsala or parmigiana. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
GEORGE'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
1461 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 626-4342
The aromas wafting from George's door come from the famous fajitas, which are made with either beef or chicken and arrive at your table still sizzling, complemented by guacamole, pico de gallo and flour tortillas. The shrimp á la Mexicana features butterflied beauties sautéed in a spicy sauce made from tomatoes, onions and sweet peppers. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
GOOD EARTH MARKET AND CAFE
821 Girod St., Mandeville, (985) 674-4329
Good Earth's many wraps on whole wheat tortillas are a healthy and popular lunch item in varieties like turkey, chicken and veggie. Tender cochon de lait is another top item, and it's made daily. There are also po-boys, fish specials on Fridays, extra-large salads and a changing selection of soups. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $
GRILLE 22
4700 Hwy. 22, Mandeville, (985) 845-1000
Grille 22 serves burgers, sandwiches and hearty diner classics. The St. Tamanard Burger fills a po-boy loaf with two 6-oz. Angus beef patties, sautéed onions, melted Swiss cheese and dresses it with lettuce, tomato and mayo. The brisket lunch special features slices of oven-roasted brisket served with Grille 22's signature potatoes, grilled zucchini, squash and a medley of peppers plus salad, toast and a fountain drink. No reservations. Lunch daily, dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
HUGH'S WINE CELLAR
4250 Hwy. 22, Mandeville, (985) 626-0066; www.hughswinecellar.com
The wines are divine at Hugh's. Even better, they're complemented by a menu that includes a large number of soups, salads and sandwiches. The latter are well-represented by the crab Brioche — lump crabmeat and dill Havarti topped with remoulade and grilled to perfection. The paté and cheese plate is a perfect match for any number of vintage bottles. Reservations accepted. Lunch and light early dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $
ISABELLA'S PIZZERIA
4250 Hwy. 22, Mandeville, (985) 674-5700
See Covington listing for restaurant description.
JUNIPER
301 Lafitte St., Mandeville, (985) 624-5330; www.juniperrestaurant.net
Serving contemporary Creole cuisine and priding itself on innovate dishes, Juniper provides an upscale, intimate dining environment just blocks from the lake. The eggplant pirogue combines shrimp, crabmeat and crawfish tails all simmered in garlic cream and laced with choron sauce in a fried eggplant "boat." The filet Juniper with a crab and crawfish cake and Creole hollandaise is also popular. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$
LA CASA GOMEZ
643 Lotus Drive, Mandeville, (985) 624-8667
Cuban sandwiches and fajita-style platters vie for supremacy at this eatery near the Causeway. The classic sandwich is made with tender roast pork and layers of ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on French bread. Dishes of grilled meats and onions are equally popular. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $
LA MADELEINE
3434 Hwy. 190, Mandeville, (985) 626-7004; www.lamadeleine.com
See Carrollton listing for restaurant description.
LITTLE TOKYO
590 Asbury Dr., Mandeville, (985) 727-1532; www.littletoykosushi.com
This Northshore sushi bar puts hometown pride on display with its Mandeville roll made with white fish, snowcrab, asparagus and roe wrapped up in seaweed and fried with sides of chef sauce and eel sauce. For a hot treat, try the Tamaguchi roll with spicy salmon and snowcrab wrapped in soy paper. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
LOOP PIZZA GRILL
1119 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 624-8099; www.looppizzagrill.com
The menu at the Loop covers a lot of bases. First, it offers Chicago-thick or Brooklyn-thin crusts on an assortment of gourmet pies like the portobello (mushrooms, pesto, Roma tomatoes, smoked bacon, Asiago cheese, caramelized onions and herbs). There's also a variety of salads, sandwiches, wraps and a kids' menu. Desserts include hand-dipped shakes with enticing add-ons like Oreos and Butterfingers. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$
LOUIE & THE REDHEADED LADY
1851 Florida St., Mandeville, (985) 626-8101
Louie reigns supreme for Italian classics and fried Southern comfort food. Veal and eggplant Parmesan dishes are served in the traditional fashion — battered, fried to a crisp, doused in marinara and mozzarella and served over angel hair pasta. For seafood lovers with an appetite, $10 buys an all-you-can-eat fried shrimp or catfish meal. No reservations. Breakfast Wed.- Sat., lunch Tue.-Sat., dinner Wed.-Fri., brunch Sun. Checks. $
MANDINA'S OF NEW ORLEANS
4240 Hwy. 22, Mandeville, (985) 674-9883
Like an old New Orleans neighborhood restaurant transplanted to the Northshore, this Mandina's features the same menu as the Mid-City original. That means many meals begin here with onion rings or shrimp remoulade on a bed of lettuce and continue on to large filets of trout in a Creole meuniere sauce with blanched almonds. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
MEGUMI YAKIMONO AND SUSHI BAR
4700 Hwy. 22, Suite 11, Mandeville, (985) 845-1644; www.megumirestaurant.net
Yakimono cooking sets Megumi apart from the Northshore's other Japanese options. Using a special grill, the restaurant cooks skewers of meat, seafood or vegetables to an extra crispy exterior while maintaining a tender and juicy interior. Guests can sample the skewers á la carte or order a combination dinner. Megumi also boasts an extensive menu of sushi and other Japanese favorites. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
MONSTER PO-BOYS
1814 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 626-9183
The sandwiches come in two sizes, but drawn in by a name like Monster, you can bet most po-boy patrons go for the bigger version. The roast beef, meatballs and barbecue are all made in-house while fresh seafood and daily lunch specials add more variety. The roast beef with rice and gravy, green beans, salad and bread is a favorite option. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Tue.-Fri. Credit cards. $
N'TINI'S
2891 Hwy. 190, Suite D, Mandeville, 626-5566
N'Tini's matches up a couple of American classics: martinis and steaks. The menu offers New Orleans-accented surf and turf. The crab cake Napoleon layers two crab cakes and eggplant medallions and tops them with lobster in a brandy cream sauce. As an entrée, the tornedos rest two 6-oz. filets atop fried eggplant medallions and complements them with different sauces from the chef's repertoire. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
NUVOLARI'S
246 Gerard St., Mandeville, (985) 626-5619; www.nuvolaris.com
Nuvolari's was originally a country store in the '30s, but the cuisine served in its dining rooms today is Louisiana-influenced Italian cuisine. On the Creole side, there is char-grilled redfish served with wild rice, summer vegetables and a pecan, lumb crabmeat citrus meuniere sauce. The Mediterranean shrimp dish presents sautéed shrimp with fresh tomatoes, black olives, fresh rosemary, white wine and feta cheese over penne pasta. The restaurant's wine list provides plenty of options to match menu items. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
PETUNIA'S PLACE
2020 Hwy. 59, Mandeville, (985) 674-3436; www.petuniasplace.com
Petunia's motto is "a family restaurant," and it's definitely kid-approved. Order your meal at the counter and send the little ones to the activity table, where they can make ornaments for the year-round "festivity tree" while your food is being prepared. Plates include barbecue pork ribs, slow-cooked with homemade potato salad, and the chicken and shrimp with white-wine cream sauce. No reservations. Lunch Thu.-Tue., dinner Thu.-Mon. Credit cards. $
RAG'S OLD FASHIONED PO-BOYS
4960 Hwy. 22, Mandeville, (985) 792-1744
Everything at Rag's has an old-fashioned touch. The shrimp and roast beef po-boys, dressed with lettuce, tomato and mayo, are throwback classics. Even the daily specials follow a well-known regimen: red beans on Monday, pork chops on Tuesday and seafood on Friday. Some regularly available dishes include the seafood gumbo, spaghetti and meatballs, and stir-fried shrimp over rice or pasta. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $
ROMA PIZZERIA
3441 E. Causeway Approach., Mandeville, (985) 674-3300
Roma Pizzeria prepares a crispy-crust pizza with its stone deck ovens. Popular pies include the classic pepperoni topped with melted mozzarella and the Supreme with pepperoni, crumbled Italian sausage, onions, green peppers, mushrooms and mozzarella. Pizza is available by the slice and Roma also offers subs, calzones, salads and pasta dishes like lasagna and spaghetti. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$
ROMANO'S MACARONI GRILL
3410 Hwy. 190, Mandeville, (985) 727-1998; www.macaronigrill.com
Italian flavors fill the menu at Romano's Macaroni Grill, from Tuscan chicken soup to heavenly tiramisu. The crab-stuffed mushrooms are crimini caps filled with succulent crab and baked to a golden brown. Shrimp Portofino is paired with pine nuts and finished with a tangy lemon-butter sauce. Brick-oven pizzas sneak some American toppings like barbecue chicken into the mix. New and classic Italian dishes range from lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs to lobster ravioli. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
SEMOLINA'S
2999 Hwy. 190, Mandeville, (985) 626-8923; www.semolina.com
See Metairie listing for restaurant description.
STAR Café
2186 Florida St., Mandeville, (985) 674-9920; www.starcafe.com
The creative menu at Star Café gives diners options such as the Paris Hilton salad, which sets blue cheese, pears and walnuts over spring mix greens with a vinaigrette dressing. Homemade breads make Star's sandwiches stand out. The bacon chicken sandwich on fresh foccacia piles tomato-garlic aioli, feta cheese and fresh vegetables on top of two chicken breasts. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$.
SWEET DADDY'S BBQ
2534 Florida St., Mandeville, (985) 626-0208
See Covington listing for restaurant description.
THE TIMES GRILL
1896 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 626-1161; www.timesgrill.com
The Times is best known for its burgers, but the grill also offers salads, sandwiches, wraps, fried seafood (in po-boys or baskets) and pasta-based entrées. At the heart of the menu, though, are some incredible two-fisted patties. The cheeseburger is topped with cheddar, Swiss and pepperjack, and the Buffalo burger is brushed with a mild version of the wing sauce, finished with provolone cheese and adorned with onion rings. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
TREY YUEN CUISINE OF CHINA
600 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 626-4476; www.treyyuen.com
Led by the Wong brothers, Trey Yuen brings a taste of elegant Far East dining to the Northshore. Past the fish ponds and gardens, inside a pagoda-style building, the kitchen focuses on regional Chinese dishes. The honey pecan shrimp features large Gulf shrimp in a sweet, creamy glaze served on top of roasted pecans and garnished with sesame seeds. For some local flavor, try the sliced alligator meat stir-fried with green onions and fresh mushrooms in a spicy oyster sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Fri. and Sun., dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards and checks. $$
VIANNE'S TEA SALON & CAFÉ
544 Girod St., Mandeville, (985) 624-5683; www.viannes.com
High tea is a three-course affair at this charming Old Mandeville spot. The event consists of housemade scones served with lemon curd, cream and jam, tea sandwiches and canapés, and an assortment of mini-desserts. The café serves more than 100 loose-leaf teas either hot or iced. The lunch menu includes items like peanut chicken salad, which pairs Mandarin oranges and crushed nuts with a paneed chicken breast. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Fri., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
VITALITY JUICE, JAVA & SMOOTHIE
322 Dalwill Drive, Mandeville, (985) 727-3482; www.vitalityjuice.com
See Metairie listing for restaurant description.
MADISONVILLE
FRANK'S MARINA GRILLE
100 Marina del Ray Drive, Madisonville, (985) 792-4000; www.franksmarinagrille.com
Frank's Mighty River Burger is a 9-oz. patty topped with sautéed mushrooms, onions, bacon and Swiss or cheddar cheese. Specialty sandwiches stand out on the menu, including the oyster, bacon and Swiss po-boy. Shrimp and oysters are sautéed with butter, garlic and green onions and served over angel hair pasta. Reservations accepted. Credit cards. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun. $$
FRIENDS COASTAL RESTAURANT
407 St. Tammany St., Madisonville, (985) 845-7303; www.friendscoastal.com
Friends Coastal lives up to its seafaring name. The Cajun lobster is actually a Maine lobster boiled to perfection with savory spices. The seafood lasagna layers sheets of pasta with spinach, Gulf fare and a béchamel sauce, and the blackened "katfish" is seared in a hot iron skillet and topped with bronzed shrimp, crabmeat and key-lime butter. If your sea legs abandon you, dig into Caribbean jerked chicken or quesadillas gigante. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
KEITH YOUNG'S STEAKHOUSE
165 Hwy. 21, Madisonville, (985) 845-9940
In an elegant dining room, Keith Young's guests indulge in everything from chops to seafood, but extra-large slabs of beef remain the focus of the Northshore steakhouse. A 24-oz. strip and a towering filet mignon are just two stars on the menu. Reservations recommended. Lunch Thu.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$$
MORTON'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
702 Water St., Madisonville, (985) 845-4970; www.mortonsseafood.com
The banks of the Tchefuncte River are the perfect setting for Morton's fresh seafood. Inside the rustic building, shrimp and crab bisque and seafood gumbo segue into shrimp remoulade and fried fish platters. "Seafood boats" — hollowed bread loaves stuffed with shrimp, oysters or catfish — are a specialty, as is the charbroiled fresh catch. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Mon. Credit cards. $$
WATER STREET BISTRO
804 Water St., Madisonville, (985) 845-3855
With the waters of the Tchefuncte River running just outside, this cozy café invites guests to linger on its picturesque front porch. Mediterranean-inspired linguine with Gulf shrimp — spiked with the sharp, salty flavors of olive, caper and feta — is just one highlight. Homemade desserts are another. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$
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